James Taylor sneaks a picture at the White House

Kim and James Taylor with a bust of Abraham Lincoln at the White House for Michelle Obama’s birthday. (Handout)

01.21.14 | 6:05 PM

Discretion was such a priority at first lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday party that even her A-list friends were required to hand over their phones before entering the bash. But that didn’t stop a few famous folks from snapping a picture of two before walking into the White House’s East Room, where 500 giddy guests danced the night away. Among those making the scene was Berkshires-based troubadour James Taylor, who couldn’t help himself, posing with wife Kim beside a bust of President Abraham Lincoln. (Are we the only ones who think Sweet Baby James bares a passing resemblance to the 16th president?) The evening included a performance by Beyoncé, whose discerning audience included Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Janelle Monáe, Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett, Herbie Hancock, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Grant Hill, Alonzo Mourning, Emmett Smith, Star Jones, Magic Johnson, Billie Jean King, and Michael Jordan. Taylor’s next stop is LA, where he’ll attend the pre-Grammys celebration of his friend Carole King. In case you’re wondering — we were — Taylor has not yet seen “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which is now on Broadway. (Neither has King.)